Forest Department officials’ examination of an Indian laurel tree (Terminalia tomentosa) in Papikonda National Park has showcased its remarkable water storage capability.
This discovery sheds light on the indigenous knowledge shared by the Konda Reddi tribe regarding the tree’s unique attributes.
Konda Reddi Tribe
The Konda Reddis are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) residing in the Godavari riverbanks and the hilly forest areas of Godavari and Khammam districts in Andhra Pradesh.
The family structure is patriarchal and patrilocal, with monogamy as the norm with some exceptions.
The Konda Reddis are primarily Hindus with folk customs, which involves local traditions and worship of community-level deities.
They have their own social control institution called ‘Kula Panchayat’.
Each village has a traditional headman known as ‘Pedda Kapu’, whose role is hereditary.
Their primary occupation is shifting cultivation, relying on forest flora and fauna for sustenance.
Jowar cultivation is prevalent, serving as their staple food.
They collect and sell non-timber forest products like tamarind, adda leaves, myrobolan, and broomsticks to supplement their income.
About Papikonda NP
Papikonda NP is located in the East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh.
It was established as a national park in the year 2008.
It is characterized by hilly landscapes, dense moist deciduous forest.
The presence of the Godavari River cuts through the Papikonda hill range of Eastern Ghats.
AboutIndian Laurel Tree
Description
Scientific Name
Terminalia tomentosa
Common Names
Indian Laurel Tree, Crocodile Bark Tree, Anjan Tree
Habitat
Found in Deciduous forests
Bark
Scissored and cracked bark, resembling crocodile skin (From November to February)
Water Storage Ability
Only 5-10% of trees observed to store water in the stem
Water Storage Mechanism
Development of lateral ridge, known as a wing, on trunk, indicating water presence
Water Collection
4-6 litres of potable water can be collected from a fully grown tree by making a small hole in the wing
Traditional Use
Used by tribal communities, such as the Konda Reddi Tribe, as a water source during dry seasons
Adaptability
Thrives in various conditions, including harsh weather and drought
PYQ:
2015:
In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?
(a) Tropical moist deciduous forest
(b) Tropical rain forest
(c) Tropical thorn scrub forest
(d) Temperate forest with grasslands
Practice MCQ:
The Indian Laurel Tree (Terminalia tomentosa) recently seen in news is famous for its:
It is a 14-digit id employed to uniquely identify individuals, verify their identity, and connect their health records (with their consent) across various systems and stakeholders.
Features of ABHA
Cashless Transactions: ABHA enables cashless transactions for eligible beneficiaries, reducing the financial burden during medical emergencies.
Electronic Health Records (EHR): It integrates electronic health records, facilitating storage, and retrieval of patient information for streamlined healthcare delivery.
Portability: ABHA accounts are portable across various healthcare providers under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, ensuring seamless access to services.
Real-time Monitoring: Incorporating real-time monitoring mechanisms to track fund utilization, ABHA ensures efficient allocation and prevents misuse.
Various Components
Beneficiary Identification: ABHA involves the identification and registration of eligible beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, assigning a unique health identification number (UHID).
Funds Management: It manages the allocation and disbursement of funds for healthcare services, ensuring prompt and secure transfers.
Claim Settlement: ABHA processes and settles claims submitted by healthcare providers, verifying authenticity, and disbursing payments.
Audit and Oversight: Incorporating audit mechanisms to monitor fund utilization, ABHA ensures compliance with regulations and maintains system integrity.
Back2Basics: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
Details
Umbrella Scheme
Ayushman Bharat
Incepted in National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Launch Year
2018
Components
Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
Offers a sum insured of Rs. 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care
Provides cashless and paperless access to services at any empanelled hospital across India
Portable scheme, allowing beneficiaries to avail treatment at any PM-JAY empanelled hospital
Coverage
3 days pre-hospitalisation and 15 days post-hospitalisation
Includes diagnostic care and expenses on medicines
No restriction on family size, age, or gender
Covers all pre-existing conditions from day one
Beneficiaries
Identified through Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data
Funding
Shared funding: 60:40 for states and UTs with legislature, 90:10 in Northeast states and J&K,
Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, 100% central funding for UTs without legislature
Nodal Agency
National Health Authority (NHA)
Autonomous entity under the Society Registration Act, 1860
Responsible for effective implementation of PM-JAY in alliance with state governments
State Health Agency (SHA)
Apex body of the State Government responsible for the implementation of AB PM-JAY in the State
PYQ:
2021:
“Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse.
Practice MCQ:
Consider the following statements about the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY):
1. 3 days pre-hospitalisation and 15 days post-hospitalisation.
2. Includes diagnostic care and expenses on medicines.
3. No restriction on family size, age, or gender.
4. Beneficiaries are identified from national family health survey.
How many of the above discussed features is/are correct?
Irish researchers discovered that Criollo cattle are well-adapted to Climate Change due to their ability to thrive in hot and humid conditions, which they have developed over many years.
About Criollo Cattle Breed
Details
Origin
Latin America, particularly in regions such as Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America
Historical Context
Criollo cattle trace their roots back to the arrival of Spanish cattle in the Americas during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Initially brought from La Gomera in the Spanish Canary Islands, adapted to diverse environments.
Physical Appearance
Small to medium-sized cattle with a compact body structure
Adapted to various climates, including tropical and subtropical regions
Short, sleek coat, often in various colors such as black, brown, or red
Adaptability
Known for their resilience and ability to thrive in harsh environments
Well-suited to extensive grazing systems and low-input management practices
Disease Resistance
Developed natural resistance to various diseases prevalent in their native regions, such as tick-borne illnesses and parasites
Economic Importance
Valued for their ability to utilize low-quality forages and adaptability to diverse environments
Serve as a sustainable source of meat and dairy products for local communities
PYQ:
2016:
What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India?
1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.
2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.
3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Practice MCQ:
The Criollo cattle breed has recently found mention in the news for its:
Mains: Q. Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements. (UPSC CSE 2023)
Prelims:
Q. Disguised unemployment generally means (UPSC CSE 2013)
(a) large number of people remain unemployed (b) alternative employment is not available (c) marginal productivity of labour is zero (d) productivity of workers is low
Note4Students:
Mains: Social Issues; Population; Unemployment;
Mentor comments: Unemployment/Underemployment is the most contentious issue that continues to be a challenge for the Socioeconomic landscape of India. As one of the world’s most populous nations with a diverse workforce, fluctuations in the unemployment rate have far-reaching implications for the country’s growth and development. So, we need to analyze the current status of India’s Dynamic Population. The recently published, India Employment Report 2024 is the third in a series of regular publications by the ILO on labor and employment issues. This report on Youth Employment, Education, and Skills examines the challenge of youth employment in the context of the emerging economic, labor market, educational, and skills scenario in India and changes over the past two decades.
Let’s learn.
—
Why in the News?
The recent India Employment Report (IER) 2024 Report by the Institute for Human Development and International Labour Organization (ILO) poses questions on the trickle-down effect of employment.
Key highlights of the IER 2024 Report:
Poor Employment Conditions:
The overall labor force participation and employment rates are reflecting issues such as stagnant or declining wages, increased self-employment among women, and a higher proportion of unpaid family work among youth.
The share of the young population with secondary or higher education in the total unemployed has almost doubled from 35.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022.
Youth Employment Challenges:
Youth employment and underemployment surged between 2000 and 2019, with educated youths experiencing significantly higher levels of joblessness.
The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and the Unemployment Rate (UR) showed a long-term deterioration between 2000 and 2018 but witnessed an improvement after 2019.
Widening Regional Gaps: Significant states consistently rank lower in employment indicators. For example, states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh have struggled with poor employment outcomes over the years, reflecting the influence of regional policies.
Case Study from Kolkata:
A study conducted in 37 slums across Kolkata in 2012 and revisited in 2022-23 found that the major occupations in slums have remained the same over the decade, with a significant proportion of the working population engaged in unskilled labor. The share of employment in skilled and semi-skilled labor and private organizations decreased between 2012-19, while employment in petty businesses or small shops increased by 9%. The study also found that employment in truck driving and cleaning, and construction and related work gained momentum in the last 10 years.
Widening Gender Gaps:
India is facing low rates of female labor force participation.
Although educational attainment has improved across all groups, social inequalities persist despite affirmative action and targeted policies, with Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes facing barriers to accessing better job opportunities.
Informal Employment challenges: Although non-farm employment growing faster than farm employment before 2018, it has not grown sufficiently to absorb workers from agriculture. Around 90% are engaged in informal work, especially after 2018 it is increased.
Lack of necessary skills: 75% of workers are unable to send emails with attachments, 60% are unable to copy and paste files, and 90% are unable to perform basic spreadsheet tasks like putting a mathematical formula.
Declining Wages of Casual Workers:
While wages of skilled laborers maintained a modest upward trend during 2012–22, wages have remained low for unskilled workers.
As much as 62% of the unskilled casual agricultural workers and 70% of such workers in the construction sector at the all-India level did not receive the prescribed daily minimum wages in 2022.
No Security to Industrial Workers: Recently, online platforms and gig workers have been expanding, but it is, to a large extent, the extension of informal work, with hardly any social security provisions.
Trends in Regional Migration:
India is expected to have a migration rate of around 40% in 2030 and will have an urban population of around 607 million.
The present pattern of migration also shows regional imbalance in the labor markets.
Usually, migration in India is seen from the eastern, north-eastern, and central regions to southern, western, and northern regions.
What are the suggestive measures given by ILO?
To address labour market disparities:
Enhance women’s participation.
Integrate high-quality skills training to uplift economically disadvantaged groups.
Promote a fair labour market.
To enhance our focus on enhancing Employment:
Working on macroeconomic policies especially manufacturing sector.
Supporting MSMEs through a decentralized approach.
Increase agricultural productivity.
Building a sustainable economy.
To enhance job quality and build strategies:
Building robust labor Policy.
Promote Digital economy.
Focusing on sustained urban culture and migration policy.
Recently, the SC rejected Kerala’s plea for immediate relief in its case urging the Union government to ease borrowing constraints, allowing the state to secure extra funds in the ongoing fiscal year.
State governments receive funds from three sources:
Own revenues (tax and non-tax)
Transfers from the Union government as shares of taxes and as grants
Market borrowings
Fiscal Demands for Extra Funds:
Increased Expenditure: In 2020-21, the Kerala government sharply increased its spending to 18% of its GSDP, to provide economic relief in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, aided by the relaxation in borrowing norms then
Central Gov transfers to Kerala declined: As ratios of GSDP, the Union government’s transfers to Kerala declined to 2.8% in 2023-24, significantly lower than previous years, even as the State’s revenues remained at around 8.0%.
This meant that, in 2023-24, the State government could meet its modest budget expenditure, equivalent to 14.2% of GSDP, only by raising the borrowing to 3.4% of the GSDP
Socio-Economic for Extra Funds:
Aging Population: Kerala, like many other states, faces the challenge of an aging population, which puts pressure on pension funds and healthcare systems, necessitating long-term financial planning and investment.
Pension Liabilities: The substantial outgo for pensions poses a financial burden on the state’s budget, requiring strategies for sustainable pension management to ensure fiscal stability.
Youth Outmigration: Kerala experiences significant outmigration of its youth, leading to a loss of productive workforce and potential tax revenues, highlighting the need for policies to retain skilled workers and stimulate economic growth
About Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC):
The net borrowing ceiling for states in India denotes the maximum threshold set on the funds that state governments can borrow within a fiscal year.
Significance: Ensuring fiscal discipline and preventing states from accumulating excessive debt, the net borrowing ceiling plays a pivotal role.
Factors: The criteria for setting these limits are shaped by various factors such as inputs from the Finance Commission, the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, and specific directives from the central government, notably the Ministry of Finance.
Basis of the Net Borrowing Ceiling:
Fiscal Responsibility Legislation: Both the central and state governments in India adhere to the FRBM Act, which establishes fiscal deficit goals to uphold fiscal discipline. Under the FRBM, states are required to maintain a fiscal deficit limit of 3% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
Central Government Guidelines: The central government, through the Department of Expenditure in the Ministry of Finance, sets the annual borrowing limits for each state based on a formula that considers the state’s GSDP, existing debt levels, fiscal discipline, and other relevant factors. These limits can be revised in response to special circumstances, such as natural disasters or significant economic downturns.
Finance Commission Recommendations: The Finance Commission, which is constituted every five years, recommends how the central taxes are to be divided between the centre and the states and suggests measures to maintain fiscal stability. It also provides recommendations regarding the borrowing limits of states.
Conclusion: States need to put in place an effective forecasting and monitoring mechanism for cash inflows and outflows so that a need-based approach is followed for market borrowings and the interest cost of cash surpluses is minimized.
Mains PYQ
Q What were the reasons for the introduction of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2013? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness. (UPSC IAS/2013)
A recent report published by IIM-A suggested that India must prioritize investment in Nuclear energy sector and expand related infrastructure.
Why India must prioritize investment in the Nuclear energy sector?
India aims to be a developed country by 2047 and is on track to achieve net zero — or effectively zero-carbon dioxide emissions by 2070.
Key findings of the Report:
Current Energy Mix: Solar energy constitutes 16% of India’s installed generation capacity, while coal comprises 49%. Nuclear energy currently comprises only 1.6% of India’s energy mix
Significant increase in nuclear power: The best-case scenario shows emissions falling to 0.55 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2070, achieving ‘net zero’. This scenario entails a significant increase in nuclear power capacity, reaching 30 GW by 2030 and 265 GW by 2050.
Investment Requirements for Nuclear Energy: Achieving the proposed figures for nuclear energy would necessitate a doubling of investments. India would require an estimated ₹150-200 lakh crore between 2020-2070 to finance the necessary transitions in the energy sector
Need technology-based solution: The authors emphasize that achieving net zero emissions requires a combination of technologies rather than a single solution.
Transitioning away from coal: Coal is expected to remain a significant component of India’s energy system, serving as the “backbone”. However, transitioning away from coal would require substantial investment
What are the Challenges for India’s Goal of Net-Zero Emissions?
Uranium Factor: Data by the Central Electricity Authority say solar energy accounts for 16% of India’s installed generation capacity. To achieve these idealistic figures for nuclear energy would require a doubling of investments as well as the assumption that uranium, a critical fuel but restricted by international embargo, is available in necessary quantities.
Coal Factor: Coal accounts for 49% of India’s capacity. Coal would likely be the “backbone” of the Indian energy system and if the country has to phase down coal in the next three decades, it would need to build adequate infrastructure for alternative sources such as nuclear power, in addition to flexible grid infrastructure and storage to support the integration of renewable energy.
Suggested measures by the Report are:
Research and Development: Invest in research and development to improve efficiency and reduce costs of renewable energy technologies, as well as advancements in nuclear energy technology.
Policy Support: Implement supportive policies and regulations to encourage private sector investment in the energy sector, including streamlined approval processes, tax incentives, and renewable energy mandates.
International Cooperation: Engage in diplomatic efforts to secure access to nuclear fuel and address international embargoes, while also collaborating with other countries on research and development in the energy sector.
Conclusion: India’s path to development by 2047 hinges on prioritizing energy sector investment, as per an IIM-A report. Achieving net zero emissions by 2070, India would need close to ₹150-200 lakh crore between 2020-2070 to finance these transitions.
Mains PYQ
Q With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (UPSC IAS/2018)
In early March this year, 30 people in Thrissur in Kerala executed living wills.
Context:
The Supreme Court’s 2018 order on Passive Euthanasia, wherein it recognized the ‘Right to die with dignity’ as a fundamental right and an aspect of Article 21 (right to life) of the Constitution.
However, the people wanting to get a “living will” registered were facing problems due to cumbersome guidelines, prompting a reconsideration by the apex court.
A Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, in three concurring opinions, upheld that the fundamental right to life and dignity includes the ‘Right to Refuse Treatment and Die with dignity’.
What is a Living Will?
A Living Will is a healthcare directive, in which people can state their wishes for their end-of-life care, in case they are not in a position to make that decision.
The Court’s procedure:
Pre-2023: Initially, the process of creating living wills was deemed overly complex by the Court, with elaborate bureaucratic procedures in place to prevent abuse by unscrupulous individuals seeking to exploit the patient’s assets.
Post-2023: Recognizing the impracticality of requiring judicial magistrate countersignatures on living wills, the Court streamlined the process in January 2023. Now, living will require signatures in the presence of witnesses, attestation by a notary or gazetted officer, and submission to a designated government officer acting as a custodian.
Challenges in Implementation :
Decision-Making Process: Even if a living will is created, its implementation is not automatic. Decisions on withholding or withdrawing treatment require certification by primary and secondary medical boards, posing logistical challenges, especially in hospitals without designated boards.
Ambiguities and Discomfort: Ambiguities in guidelines, discomfort with end-of-life care topics, and unclear legal definitions contribute to the hesitancy among officials to implement the Court’s directives without clear instructions from higher authorities.
Legal Ambiguity: Indian law lacks a clear definition of ‘next of kin’, leading to potential disputes among family members about medical decisions for terminally ill patients.
Barriers to End-of-Life Decisions: A survey of intensive care doctors reveals a general belief that end-of-life decisions are fraught with legal implications, serving as a significant barrier to making such decisions in the ICU.
Regional Disparities in India:
Haryana: While some states like Haryana have issued directions to follow the judgment, they have not provided essential guidance or protocols for implementation.
Odisha: In contrast, Odisha has taken a more thorough approach by forming a committee of experts to develop detailed draft orders for implementing the judgment, setting a potential example for other states.
Conclusion: The central government could help bridge the gap in expertise by developing and publishing model orders and protocols to provide states with confidence and guidance in effectively implementing the judgment.
Mains question for practice
Q Discuss the challenges surrounding the implementation of living wills in India, as established by the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in 2018.
Astronomers are looking forward to opening a new window on the universe by posting high-resolution telescopes on the moon and in orbit around it.
Why Astronomers are looking forward to opening telescopes on the moon?
Radio telescopes launched into orbit around Earth exacerbated the problem of receiving radio noise from the entire planet, along with signals from outer space.
The moon’s far side offers pristine, airless conditions ideal for optical telescopes, providing crystal-clear seeing conditions during the two-week lunar night.
Global Initiatives to Install Telescope on the Moon:
NASA’s LuSEE Night Project: LuSEE Night, a joint NASA-Berkeley Lab project scheduled for launch in December 2025, aims to study the Dark Ages period by landing on the far side of the moon, shielded from radio frequency noise from Earth.
ESA’s Projects: ESA is preparing to launch a radio telescope to the moon’s far side aboard its lunar lander, ‘Argonaut’, by 2030, along with other projects focused on gravitational wave detection and infrared observations.
China’s Initiatives: China is also actively involved in lunar exploration, with plans to launch a moon-orbiting radio telescope in 2026 and deploy the Queqiao-2 satellite, which includes a radio telescope payload, to serve as a communications relay between Earth and future missions.
Indian Initiative
PRATUSH: Indian scientists plan to deploy the radio telescope PRATUSH on the moon’s far side, built by the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Deployment Process: Initially, ISRO will place PRATUSH into orbit around the Earth, then fine-tune it before launching it towards the moon. Operating in Earth orbit will offer advantages such as free space operation and reduced ionosphere impact compared to ground-based experiments.
Observational Advantages: PRATUSH in lunar orbit will have ideal observing conditions, operating in free space with minimal radio frequency interference (RFI) and no ionosphere, essential for studying the signal from the Dark Ages.
Instrument Features: PRATUSH will carry a wideband frequency-independent antenna, a self-calibrating analog receiver, and a digital correlator to capture radio noise in the signal from the Dark Ages.
Conclusion: The global initiative to deploy telescopes on and around the moon aims to overcome Earth’s radio noise and capitalize on the lunar far side’s pristine conditions for groundbreaking astronomical observations, including studying the universe’s early Dark Ages.
Mains question for practice
Q Discuss the global initiatives to deploy telescopes on the moon.
To address the rising threat of cyber fraud, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning to establish a Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA).
About Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA)
DIGITA aims to tackle the proliferation of illegal lending apps by verifying and maintaining a register of authenticated digital lending platforms.
Role of DIGITA:
Public Register: It will maintain a public register of verified apps, providing transparency and aiding law enforcement agencies in identifying unauthorised platforms.
Verification Hub: It will serve as a central agency for vetting digital lending apps, ensuring their authenticity and compliance with regulations.
Regulatory Implications
Apps lacking the ‘verified’ signature from DIGITA will be deemed unauthorized, enhancing law enforcement efforts against financial crimes in the digital domain.
Verification processes will promote transparency and accountability within the digital lending sector, curbing fraudulent activities.
Progress made so far
The RBI has shared a list of 442 digital lending apps with the IT Ministry for whitelisting with Google.
Google has removed over 2,200 digital lending apps from its PlayStore, aligning with RBI and DFS directives to only allow apps from regulated entities or their partners.
PYQ:
2016:
Regarding ‘DigiLocker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme.
2. It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Practice MCQ:
Consider the following statements about RBI led Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA):
1. It aims to tackle the proliferation of illegal lending apps.
2. Apps lacking the ‘verified’ signature from DIGITA will be deemed unauthorized.
Taiwan was struck by its most powerful earthquake in at least 25 years.
Its susceptibility to earthquakes is attributed to its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where a majority of the world’s seismic activity occurs.
Taiwan is primarily influenced by the collision of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
What is the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’?
The Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ or Pacific Rim, or the Circum-Pacific Belt, is an area along the Pacific Ocean that is characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.
Volcanic arcs and oceanic trenches partly encircling the Pacific Basin form the so-called Ring of Fire.
It is home to about 75 per cent of the world’s volcanoes – more than 450 volcanoes.
Also, about 90 per cent of the world’s earthquakes occur here.
Its spread
Its length is over 40,000 kilometres and traces from New Zealand clockwise in an almost circular arc covering Tonga, Kermadec Islands, Indonesia.
It is moving up to the Philippines, Japan, and stretching eastward to the Aleutian Islands, then southward along the western coast of North America and South America.
Seismic activity of the region
The area is along several tectonic plates including the Pacific plate, Philippine Plate, Juan de Fuca plate, Cocos plate, Nazca plate, and North American plate.
The movement of these plates or tectonic activity makes the area witness abundant earthquakes and tsunamis every year.
Along much of the Ring, tectonic plates move towards each other creating subduction zones.
One plate gets pushed down or is subducted by the other plate.
This is a very slow process – a movement of just one or two inches per year.
As this subduction happens, rocks melt, become magma and move to Earth’s surface and cause volcanic activity.
PYQ:
2020: Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.
With only an estimated 50 individuals remaining, predominantly in western India, the caracal (Caracal caracal schmitzi) is on the verge of extinction in the country.
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan and Kutch in Gujarat are the last strongholds for caracals in India, hosting around 28 and 20 individuals, respectively.
About Caracals
Caracals are small wild cats known for their long ears with tufts and a reddish-tan or sandy-brown fur. It is called Siya Gosh in India.
It is nocturnal animal typically preys upon small mammals, birds, and rodents.
They live naturally in India, especially in Northwestern India. They are also found in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
They are found in Aravalli hill range, semi-deserts, savannahs, scrublands, and dry forests.
Caracals used to live all over Central India and the Indo-Gangetic plains, but they haven’t been spotted in those areas for 40 years.
Conservation Status
Caracals are listed as ‘Least Concern‘ on the IUCN Red List globally.
It is listed as Near Threatened in India,
It falls in the Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Protection Efforts
In 2021, the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) announced a plan to recover and increase the population of 22 species in India, including caracals.
Areas like Kutch, Aravalli mountains, Malwa plateau, and Bundelkhand region have been identified as potential habitats, with the Ranthambore-Kuno Landscape being a key conservation site.
PYQ:
2017:
In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?
(a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
(b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.
(c) It is endemic to a particular region of India.
(d) Both B and C stated above are correct in this context.
The Forest Department and a temple authority at Ahobilam have imposed certain restrictionson visitors arriving at a shrine in Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR).
About Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Details
Origin of Name
Named after Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Srisailam Dam.
Location
Situated in the Nallamala hill range, part of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh.
Area
Largest tiger reserve area in India, covering a total area of 3727 sq km.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Constituted by the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary.
Vegetation
Features tropical, dry, moist, deciduous vegetation with diverse flora and fauna.
Topography
Consists of plateaus, ridges, gorges, and deep valleys.
River Krishna
Traverses through the reserve for approximately 270 kilometers.
Additional Information
Attained tiger reserve status in 1983.
Home to Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, and more.
Habitat contains several endemic species of plants.
Tropical dry deciduous forests with bamboo and grass undergrowth.
PYQ:
2020:
Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?
(a) Corbett
(b) Ranthambore
(c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
(d) Sunderbans
2015:
Consider the following pairs :
Place of Pilgrimage: Location
1. Srisailam : Nallamala Hills
2. Omkareshwar : Satmala Hills
3. Pushkar : Mahadeo Hills
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Practice MCQ:
It is the largest tiger reserve in India, covering a total area of 3727 sq km. It is constituted by the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary and features tropical, dry, moist, deciduous vegetation with diverse flora and fauna.
Which protected area is implied by the above description?
The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) in Bengaluru has unveiled OptiDrop platform designed to simplify and significantly reduce the cost of studying single cells.
About C-CAMP
C-CAMP Initiative was established in 2009 under the aegis of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science, Technology, and Earth Sciences.
It stands as India’s premier biosciences research and innovation hub.
What is OptiDrop?
OptiDrop presents a cost-effective alternative to traditional flow cytometry methods, making single-cell analysis more accessible to a broader range of researchers and institutions.
OptiDrop simplifies single-cell analysis by encapsulating individual cells within droplets, facilitating easier manipulation and analysis compared to traditional methods.
Key features such as affordability, live data visualization, compact design, and closed-system architecture enhance its suitability for diverse clinical applications.
Cytometry is the measurement of number and characteristics of cells. Variables that can be measured by cytometric methods include cell size, cell count, cell morphology (shape and structure), cell cycle phase, DNA content, and the existence or absence of specific proteins on the cell surface or in the cytoplasm.
Applications of OptiDrop
Expansive Utility: OptiDrop unlocks various downstream applications, including drug screening, environmental monitoring, immunotherapy, and single-cell genomics, revolutionizing research across multiple domains.
Advanced Research Capabilities: Researchers can leverage OptiDrop to study individual cell behavior during drug screenings, identify and monitor environmental contaminants, sort specialized cell populations, and explore genetic heterogeneity within cell populations.
Benefits offered byOptiDrop
Accessible Technology: Unlike conventional cytometers, which can cost up to Rs 40 lakh or more, OptiDrop offers a cost-efficient solution likely priced around Rs 10 lakh, making it accessible to a broader range of research labs and institutions.
Affordable Scalability: OptiDrop’s affordable pricing and scalable design allow institutions of varying sizes to adopt the technology, democratizing access to cutting-edge single-cell analysis capabilities.
Long-Term Sustainability: By reducing the barrier to entry for single-cell analysis, OptiDrop paves the way for sustainable and impactful research initiatives, driving innovation and discovery in the life sciences.
PYQ:
2020:
Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal-calls?
1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.
2. Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animal cells which do.
3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst animal cell has many small vacuoles.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Practice MCQ:
The OptiDrop equipment recently seen in news finds application in:
The “Mother of Dragons” comet, officially named Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, is making a rare appearance in the Northern Hemisphere skies.
This Halley-type comet, completing its orbit every 71 years, has emerged marking its first sighting since 1954.
What is a Comet?
A comet is a celestial object composed primarily of ice, dust, and rocky particles that orbit the Sun in elongated, elliptical paths.
These icy bodies originate from the outer regions of the solar system, specifically from two regions: the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud.
Comets are often referred to as “dirty snowballs”or“icy dirtballs” due to their composition.
Halley’s Comet is a short-period comet visible from Earth every 75–79 years.
It was last seen in Earth’s skies in 1986 and was met in space by an international fleet of spacecraft. It will return in 2061 on its regular journey around the Sun.
AboutMother of Dragons Comet
It is named by the European Space Agency (ESA).
The comet’s name is inspired by its link to the annual “kappa-Draconids” meteor shower, active from November 29 to December 13 each year.
It has a width of 17 km. the comet features an elliptical orbit adorned with a mysterious spiral of luminous light enveloping its icy nucleus.
It is comprised of ice, dust, rock, and diatomic carbon molecules.
It dissipates a radiant emerald hue when illuminated by the sun, captivating observers with its bright green appearance.
Display Features of the Comet
Renowned for its cryovolcanic eruptions, the comet periodically ejects material from its icy core into space, resulting in breath-taking luminosity.
Its most recent eruption in July 2023, after 69 years, earned it the moniker “devil comet” due to its dramatic outburst, resembling horns likely caused by internal features.
PYQ:
2014:
What is a coma, in the content of astronomy?
(a) Bright half of material on the comet
(b) Long tail of dust
(c) Two asteroids orbiting each other
(d) Two planets orbiting each other
Practice MCQ:
With reference to the “Mother of Dragons” Comet, consider the following statements:
1. It is named by the NASA.
2. It is comprised of ice, dust, rock, and diatomic carbon molecules.
South Korean scientists at the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE) achieved a significant milestone by producing temperatures of 100 million Celsius for 48 seconds in the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) fusion reactor.
KSTAR maintained the high confinement mode (H-mode) for over 100 seconds, demonstrating stability in plasma conditions crucial for sustained fusion reactions.
This is a world record.
What is Tokamak Technology?
Scientists utilize a tokamak, a donut-shaped reactor, to heat hydrogen variants to extreme temperatures, creating plasma.
This reactor replicates the Sun’s fusion reaction, generating immense heat energy.
What is Nuclear Fusion?
Nuclear fusion involves fusion of hydrogen and other light elements to release massive energy, akin to the process that powers the Sun and stars.
It is a process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process.
This occurs under extremely high temperatures, typically in the range of tens of millions of degrees Celsius, and pressure, similar to those found in the core of stars.
In a tokamak reactor, hydrogen variants are heated to extreme temperatures to create a plasma, mimicking conditions found in the Sun’s core.
1 kg of fusion fuel contains about 10 million times as much energy as a kg of coal, oil or gas.
Significance of KSTAR’s achievements
Achieving sustained fusion reactions in laboratory conditions unlocks the potential for unlimited, zero-carbon electricity generation.
By extending the duration of high-temperature fusion, scientists aim to sustain plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees for 300 seconds by 2026, pushing the boundaries of fusion research.
ITER is a unique partnership of nations jointly responsible for the construction, operation, and decommissioning of an experimental fusion facility.
It was founded in 2007 and is based at Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France.
ITER being an experimental reactor, it will allow the study of fusion reaction which governs the Sun and other Stars.
Nuclear fusion will take place in the form of Plasma in a Tokamak.
ITER is run, funded and designed by 7 members:
European Union (EU)
India
China
Japan
Russia
South Korea
United States
Benefits offered by Nuclear Fusion Energy
Clean Energy: Fusion reactions produce minimal radioactive waste compared to nuclear fission, which generates long-lived radioactive waste. Fusion also emits no greenhouse gases, making it an environmentally friendly energy source.
Safety and Controlled Nature: Fusion reactions are inherently safer than nuclear fission reactions. Fusion reactors have a lower risk of accidents and do not produce runaway chain reactions like fission reactors.
Energy Security: Fusion provides a reliable and secure source of energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and volatile energy markets. It offers a sustainable solution to meet global energy demand.
High Energy Density: Fusion reactions release a vast amount of energy compared to other energy sources. This high energy density makes fusion power compact and efficient, enabling it to meet large-scale energy needs.
Scalability: Fusion reactors can be designed to scale up or down to meet varying energy demands. They can serve as base-load power plants or complement renewable energy sources, providing flexibility in the energy mix.
Minimal Environmental Impact: Fusion power plants have a small footprint and do not require large mining operations or fuel transportation, reducing their environmental impact. They also produce no air pollution or carbon emissions during operation.
PYQ:
2016:
India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?
(a) It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation
(b) It can attain a global role in satellite navigation
(c) It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation
(d) It can build fusion reactors for power generation
Practice MCQ:
The Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) fusion reactor has recently set a world record. In this regard, consider the following statements:
1. It produced a temperatures of 100 million Celsius for 48 seconds.
2. It achieved sustained fusion reactions in laboratory conditions.
PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q) Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’. (UPSC CSE 2019) Q) How will the I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? (UPSC CSE 2022)
Note4Students:
Prelims: UNSC;
Mains: UNSC; Recent Global challenges;
Mentor comments: “History always repeats itself”. We all know that it is always easy to start a war but very difficult to decide when and how to call it off. If we see our Global past, the U.S. war in Afghanistan is a classical example. It was launched in October 2001 with the aim of ‘finishing off Al-Qaeda’, later it became a war that dragged on till the U.S. finally made a messy exit in August 2021. Secondly, think about the U.S. war in Iraq in 2003 is another example of a military offensive without a clearly defined exit strategy. The same history applies to the present context of the Middle East (Gaza Issue). Although the UNSC passed the Resolution, still the stand of major powers like the US remains questionable and it eventually leads the situation ‘back to square one’ in the context of Israel.
Let’s learn.
—
Why in the News?
The Gaza Issue has become a more unwinnable conflict even after the UNSC resolution in March 2024.
The Story behind the war concerning Israel and Hamas:
Israel had two major aims:
To Flatten Gaza: By eliminating Hamas, and getting back all its hostages. With the war well into its sixth month, it is important to review each of these aims. In short, Israel has flattened Gaza, in such a way that Gaza will be virtually uninhabitable (created a Buffer Zone) for years.
Destruction of Hamas: Israel has succeeded in eliminating only 30% of an estimated 30,000 Hamas fighters. Except for the exchange of a few hostages during a brief ‘humanitarian pause’ last November, Israel has not been able to rescue its hostages.
Hamas had two objectives:
Reminding Palestinian cause: To remind the world that while talks of normalization and reconciliation between Israel and the Arab world could go on; the cause for a Palestinian state could not be lost sight of.
Creating Support base: To expose to the world, and especially its support base, the false sense of the invincibility of the Israeli military and its intelligence services. For Hamas, it was not about winning the war militarily but making its voice heard.
Major Challenges that are arising throughout the immediate region:
Neighboring countries in the region, Egypt and Qatar have been separately negotiating for an early ceasefire. Still, Israel had launched an attack on Gaza for the second time, again resulting in heavy civilian casualties.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah has also intensified its missile strikes, inflicting damage to key military assets and loss of lives.
Houthi rebels in the southern part continue to disrupt and block Israeli, U.S., and British ships in the Red Sea, causing heavy economic losses for Israel and its allies.
The passing of UNSC Resolution:
On March 25, 2024, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
Previously, all four resolutions in the UNSC had failed due to veto, thrice exercised by the US. Although the US has historically protected Israel from censure, this time it abstained from voting. The resolution this time drew mixed reactions.
Israel was the first to react, as it canceled the visit of its ministerial delegation to the US. Under Israeli pressure, the U.S. came out with a statement that the UN Resolution is ‘non-binding’ and that Israel can continue what it is doing in Gaza, making a mockery of the whole process in the UNSC.
Hamas, on the other hand, initially welcomed the ceasefire resolution, but later, reiterated its position on a permanent ceasefire accompanied by a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. This turned the whole situation into a ‘back to square one’.
Is the UNSC resolution binding? UNGA resolutions are like recommendations, while UNSC resolutions are normally seen as somewhat more prescriptive. However, there is a difference between UNSC votes under Chapter 6 and Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, with the latter considered as binding.
How can it be enforced? If the UNSC wants to enforce its decision, it can decide to authorize travel bans, sanctions, or the sending of troops.
What are the Impacts on Israel?
Military Impact: The Israeli Army has suffered losses and injuries to its personnel. Militarily, Gaza has been defeated, but Hamas, as an organization, is unlikely to be eliminated.
Economic Impact: Its economy is shrinking rapidly, with some estimates showing a decline of almost 20%.
Political Impact: Currently, it is becoming difficult for Mr. Netanyahu to hold on to his position, domestically and internationally. The U.S., Israel’s staunchest ally, has, in the past few weeks, made it clear that Israel has to restrain itself and cannot bank upon blanket support for any Israeli action in Gaza.
What is the most viable option then for Israel?
Adapting to Ceasefire: To prevent a recurrence of ‘another 07th October’, there is an urgent need for an early ceasefire and withdrawal of forces from the Gaza Strip.
Two-state solution: Stakeholder countries will have to go back to the drawing board and search for a time-bound and acceptable solution.
Conclusion: Israel and Palestine are bound by geography and destiny and the solution for a peaceful future will have to include major compromises and climb-downs from previously stated positions.
Recently, the ‘Job for Resilience Report’ was published by the World Bank. The Report talks about how the South Asia region including India is not making use of its demographic dividend.
The pace of job creation in the region fell well short of the growth in the working-age population, even as it projected a strong 6.0-6.1% growth for 2024-25 for the region in its South Asia region.’
Main findings in this report:
The South Asia’s labor markets as Emerging markets and developing economies:
Declining employment ratio: South Asia’s employment weakened from 2000–23, despite a 6% post-pandemic surge. While most EMDEs remained stable, South Asia declined by 2%, with varied changes within.
Low employment ratios: Except for Nepal, South Asian countries have employment ratios significantly lower than other EMDEs, with South Asia’s ratio at 59%, notably lower than the 70% average elsewhere in 2023.
Employment weakness for men and women: In South Asia, men’s employment ratios declined over two decades, compared with other EMDEs. Women’s ratios, persistently low and half those elsewhere, primarily contribute to South Asia’s lower overall employment rates.
A missing engine of growth: In the 2010s, South Asia experienced a surge in labor productivity growth, which later declined below the EMDE average from 2020–23. Unlike other EMDEs, South Asia’s output growth relied heavily on labor productivity growth and working-age population expansion. However, declining employment ratios hampered output growth.
Report on Indian Scenario:
Trends in employment and labor productivity: India’s employment growth in the 2010s was weak but rebounded post-pandemic. The employment ratio declined significantly until 2022 but partially recovered by 3 percentage points in 2023.
Migrant workers: In India, Migrant workers returned to rural areas, and emigration from rural areas slowed, during the pandemic.5 India has the region’s second-largest share of workers in agriculture (44 per cent) after Nepal.
Employment composition: India’s industrial employment grows with public investments, eased labor regulations, and contract labor. The services sector, led by IT, BPO, and healthcare, thrives on a skilled workforce and digital infrastructure, limiting opportunities for unskilled labor.
Measures to address the challenges highlighted in the Report:
Skill Development Programs: Implementing extensive skill development programs to equip the workforce with the necessary skills demanded by the evolving job market, focusing on both technical and soft skills.
Labour Market Reforms: Continuously reviewing and refining labor regulations to strike a balance between protecting workers’ rights and fostering a conducive environment for job creation and investment.
Promotion of Inclusive Growth: Implementing policies aimed at promoting inclusive growth, particularly focusing on increasing women’s participation in the workforce through measures like affordable childcare, flexible work arrangements, and addressing cultural barriers.
Investment in Infrastructure: Continued investment in infrastructure development to facilitate the growth of industries and services, creating more employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas.
Enhancing Productivity: Implementing measures to enhance productivity across sectors through technological advancements, innovation, and efficient resource allocation.
Conclusion: World Bank warns South Asia, including India, risks wasting demographic dividend due to declining employment ratios and low productivity growth. Urgent measures needed: skill development, labor reforms, inclusive growth promotion, infrastructure investment, and productivity enhancement.
PM Modi asked the RBI to prepare a 10-year strategy to make the Indian rupee a globally “accessible and acceptable” currency and to meet the credit needs of every segment of the country
What is Global Currency?
A global currency refers to a single currency that is used by every country in the world. This concept involves all nations adopting the same currency for international trade and transactions
What are the major challenges for India to make Rupeea a Global Currency?
Economic Stability: The Indian economy would need to demonstrate consistent stability and growth to inspire confidence among international investors and users of the currency.
Liquidity in Financial Market Development: These markets need to be deep and liquid to accommodate large volumes of international transactions denominated in INR.
Capital Controls: India currently has restrictions on capital flows in and out of the country. These would need to be eased to facilitate international trade and investment denominated in INR.
Legal and Regulatory Framework: There would need to be robust legal and regulatory frameworks in place to govern the use of the INR in international transactions, including clearing and settlement systems, as well as dispute resolution mechanisms.
International/ Investors Acceptance: Convincing other countries, businesses, and individuals to adopt the INR as a global currency would require concerted diplomatic efforts, as well as initiatives to promote its use in international trade and finance.
Currency Convertibility: Full convertibility of the INR would be necessary for it to become a global currency.
Indian Efforts to Make Rupee a Global Currency:
RBI’s Roadmap for Rupee Internationalization: The RBI has published a report outlining a roadmap for the internationalization of the Rupee. This roadmap recommends actions such as including the Rupee in the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket, promoting its use in trade invoicing and settlement, facilitating its use in offshore markets, and developing financial products denominated in Rupees.
Promoting Use of Local Currencies for Cross-Border Transactions: India has been engaging in agreements with countries like the UAE to promote the use of local currencies, including the Rupee, for cross-border transactions.
Way Forward:
Need for Transactions in Rupee: To be an accepted International Currency, the Indian rupee is to be freely used in transactions by residents and non-residents and as a reserve currency for global trade.
Need to increase the Exports: Indian Trades need to be promoted beyond the Asian region. All export and import transactions need to be invoiced in Indian rupees.
Reducing the Constraints: Legal and Regulatory frameworks need to be freed to attract investors for their business profits without hampering security concerns.
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